I arrived in Corfu by ferry from Sarandë in Albania, a short crossing across the glittering Ionian Sea. The ferry terminal stands some distance from the historic center, so I took an Uber to my hotel in the city. As we drove past the imposing New Fortress, its massive stone walls rising beside the lively old town crowded with cars and tourists, I immediately understood why Corfu is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, vibrant, historic, and full of summer energy.

Stepping into the Old Town, I was greeted by a burst of life. After dropping off my luggage at my hotel, conveniently located next to Spianada Square, I set out to explore. The area around the hotel felt surprisingly peaceful, shaded by trees and filled with the soft chorus of cicadas. But as soon as I walked toward the Liston, the atmosphere changed. The quiet charm gave way to crowds, lively conversation, and the sound of coffee cups clinking beneath the famous arcades. The Liston is one of the most elegant promenades in all of Greece. Built by the French in the early nineteenth century and modeled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, its graceful arches and lanterns lend Corfu a distinctly Parisian character. I enjoyed the lively scene and the excellent people watching, though the prices were unexpectedly high. Even a simple cup of coffee cost more than anywhere else I had visited. It was wonderful to see, but I quickly decided that a quieter cafe elsewhere in town would suit me better.

Afterward, I wandered through the smaller streets near Spianada Square, especially Aristotelous and Eparchou. These graceful little streets, lined with pastel-colored buildings and elegant balconies, offered a calm and charming atmosphere. Not far away, Gkilford Street felt much busier, filled with souvenir shops, bakeries, and small boutiques tucked beneath old Venetian facades. Between the modern storefronts, I could still glimpse carved stone doorways and weathered shutters that spoke of centuries of history. A short walk from the Liston brought me to a small seaside spot below the Old Fortress. The sea glimmered in shades of turquoise, and locals swam with effortless confidence while others enjoyed cold drinks at the waterfront bars. It was a refreshing escape right at the edge of the historic town. I chose not to go inside either of the fortresses. As impressive as they looked from the outside, I have grown a bit bored with military structures after visiting so many on previous trips.

As evening arrived, the mood in the Old Town softened. The crowds thinned, warm lights illuminated the stone walls, and musicians played in quiet corners. The town shifted into a gentle rhythm, and in those late hours I felt closest to Corfu’s true spirit, timeless, romantic, and filled with echoes of its long past. For dinner, I tried several local dishes that reflected Corfu’s unique mix of cultural influences. There were Italian style pastas with a regional twist, rich Mediterranean stews, and the island’s signature Sofrito, tender veal cooked in a bright white wine sauce. I also sampled Bianco, a delicate chicken dish simmered in garlic, olive oil, and white wine, and Tzitzibira, a refreshing ginger-flavored soft drink that perfectly complemented the meal. Each bite and sip carried a story of the island’s long and layered past.

The next morning, I woke early to stroll the streets once more before the ferries and cruise ships arrived. The town was calm and radiant in the early light. Shopkeepers swept their doorsteps, locals chatted peacefully over coffee, and church bells rang across the rooftops. With the sea glimmering nearby, the Old Town of Corfu felt at its most beautiful, a serene harmony of culture, architecture, and island life. I stayed in Corfu for another three days, a stretch filled with the familiar summer chaos during the daytime as tourists flooded the narrow streets, yet each evening returned to a peaceful charm that made the island feel timeless. After those final days, I took a flight back to Athens to explore other regions of Greece.